Health and Astrology
Fortunately the world seems to be slowly awakening after a long slumber to the necessity of a more holistic way of life, a more integrated way of looking at health. Is health an almost unattainable goal, or a natural state of affairs? I believe those healers and doctors who tell us that health is, or should be, our given, natural condition. Instead of always looking for culprits to blame for our illnesses and diseases, maybe we can take the first step toward perfect health and well-being by redefining what health really is.
There is an incredible amount of genetic variation among human beings, and, looking from the perspective of Astrology, there is also a vast variety of combination of planetary influences possible. Striving for an exact ideal numerical value of body mass index, blood pressure, body weight is not only unreasonable, it also places a lot of stress on people trying to feel better, be healthier. Imagine if there were only one size of clothing available in stores. Other than the few lucky ones who actually are that size, the rest of the world would be constantly uncomfortable.
Different people thrive on different diet, benefit most from different types of exercise, enjoy different work environment. Although Medical Astrology is a very elaborate and technical area of Astrology, there are a few things that can benefit the lay person in their quest for achieving and maintaining ideal health and well-being.
People who have most or all of their planets in masculine (Fire: Aries, Leo, Sagittarius or Air: Gemini, Libra, Aquarius) signs are liable to develop “dry” and “hot” conditions. High blood pressure, heart condition, stress, fevers, etc. Obviously, once the illness manifested, one needs to see a qualified medical practitioner, but the key to success in health matters is actually the avoidance of the disease.
Adding activities that bring water and earth energies, like swimming, hiking, martial arts, playing, or at least listening to music, singing, dancing, painting, drawing will restore the elemental imbalance and therefore delay or completely avoid these potential health problems. Similarly, slightly modifying the diet to include more “wet” and “cold” food can go a long way towards achieving balance. While one is healthy, there is absolutely no need for drastic changes. Gently incorporating these energies in our lives don’t require huge financial investment or a complete change of habits.
On the opposite end there are people whose Birth Chart shows most, or all of the planets in feminine (Water: Cancer, Scorpio, Pisces and Earth: Taurus, Virgo, Capricorn) signs. Type 2 Diabetes, joint problems, obesity, lethargy and depression are often caused by this kind of elemental imbalance. People with this planetary arrangement will greatly benefit from explosive sports, aerobic, tennis, football, debating, going to lectures, participating in large group activities, etc. Hot spices, savory snacks, dry nuts, legumes, garlic, ginger added to, or increased in the diet can restore the balance by providing the lacking fire and air energies. Best to avoid eating too much sweets, as refined sugar can be very damaging for everyone, and especially so for people with this type of elemental imbalance.
Perfect physical and mental health are intrinsically linked together, and they are very personal. What benefits some people, could do absolutely nothing, or even be downright harmful for others. Knowing your “self” and your place in the Universe, and being secure in your connection to the Divine, are essential in finding the right way to remain healthy.
